I love a good petite denim guide. I usually approach them from the standpoint of here are a handful of jeans that are petite-friendly right from the store, no alterations needed. But this time around, I decided to create a small series with three brands; Abercrombie, Madewell, and Express and show you how a few of their different styles fit me. Some are good, some are not so good. But rest assured, these posts will still have all of the measurements and details you’ve come to expect from my guides so you can gauge if the jeans would work well for you too.
Although I chose just three to review this time around, I love so many other brands as well, with J.Crew and J.Crew Factory coming to mind as a favorite of mine. For my recent complete denim guide with a listing of all of the petite-friendly denim brands I’ve tried, check out this post.
Affiliate links are included in this post.
How Different Abercrombie Denim Styles Fit my 4’10” Frame
My Measurements & Proportions
It’s important to point out that we can be the same or similar in height but have different proportions. So, for comparison purposes, here are my measurements: I’m 4’10” and my waist and hip measurements are 24″ and 36″. I have a 25″ inseam to my ankle bone and often choose 27-28″ inseams for full-length styles. My true size is 00/24/xxs. I’m overall proportionate, meaning I don’t have a long torso or legs for my height. By my measurements, I’m pear-shaped.
If you need guidance on finding your own inseam, check out my full denim guide.
Low Rise Cropped Boot Jean
- Size Wearing: 24 Regular Length
- Inseam: 27.5″
- Rise: 8.5″
- Lengths Offered: Short, Regular, Long
I chose these Low Rise Cropped Boot Jeans in regular length so they would be full-length on me, but they also come in short. They have a comfortable, low-rise that comes right under my belly button. The denim is thick classic cotton, but has a little bit of stretch built in for comfort. They are overall true to size, but are a little bit snug on my hips and thighs. Overall, I love this style and think it has a winning fit.
Mid Rise ’90s Straight Jeans
- Size Wearing: 24 Extra Short in medium fray hem
- Inseam: 27″
- Rise: 9.5″
- Lengths Offered: Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long
The Mid Rise ’90s Straight Jeans have a classic vintage fit, made from rigid cotton denim, but feature a comfortable mid rise. I’m used to trying jeans like these with a high-rise, so the mid rise is a nice change. The jeans are snug when you first put them on, but they loosen with wear. This is a winning style for me, and I have a few different washes. Just to let you know, the extra short length can be tricky to find at Abercrombie but keep an eye out for the release of new washes, that’s when you’ll be able to snag extra short.
Jeans 24 Extra Short | Top XXS
Low Rise Ultra Loose
- Size Wearing: 24 Extra Short in medium wash
- Inseam: 26.75″
- Rise: 9.5″
- Lengths Offered: Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long
The Low Rise Ultra Loose is a trendy, low-rise, baggy option. The 9.5″ rise slouches with wear, creating a low-rise appearance. I find the jeans to be true to size, with a relaxed, baggy fit. I think this style is a good option for petites, but it’s a pass for me. The style isn’t the best for my wide hips paired with short legs. If you love a loose style, I prefer the High Rise Loose that I’m reviewing next.
Jeans 24 Extra Short | Top XXS
High Rise Loose Jean
- Size Wearing: 24 Short in dark marble
- Inseam: 28.75″
- Rise: 11″
- Lengths Offered: Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long
The High Rise Loose reminds me of the ’90s Relaxed Jeans, but with a slightly looser fit. When it comes to a baggy/loose style, this is my personal favorite. The high-rise is balancing on my frame. They do have an 11″ rise, which is quite high, but just like with the Ultra Loose Jeans, the rise sinks down a little bit so it’s not actually hitting at my ribcage. I’m wearing the jeans in short, which is a 28.75″ inseam. I need a heel with this length, but I love the lengthening effect it gives. The jeans also come in extra short which is a 26.75″ inseam. They are overall true to size, but keep in mind the fit is meant to be loose and roomy.
High Rise’90s Relaxed Jeans
- Size Wearing: 24 Extra Short in dark
- Inseam: 27″
- Rise: 10.5″
- Lengths Offered: Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long
When it comes to a wide-leg, the ’90s Relaxed Jeans are one of my favorite styles. They have a high rise and a slim, wide leg, which doesn’t overwhelm my frame. Even in flats, I find these jeans to give me length rather than shorten me because of the high rise. They’re classic cotton denim with low stretch, but they loosen with wear. The jeans are overall true to size. I wear them in short with heels and extra short with flats.
Abercrombie has been a favorite brand of mine for years, and I’ve tried quite a few of the different styles. To see more Abercrombie denim reviews, check out this post and this post. Stay tuned for a brief review of a few denim styles from Madewell and Express.
